NBA news: Kevin Durant defends LeBron James decision to opt out

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant has questioned why such a big deal has been made of LeBron James’ decision to opt out of his contract with the Miami Heat.

James had two years and $42m remaining on his deal, but along with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, the trio have reportedly met to discuss their futures beyond this summer and will likely explore all the options available to them.

As expected, the media have covered the story significantly with many making predictions over what James will do next, but Durant believes that his rival, and friend, has made the best possible decision by allowing himself the flexibility to assess all potential options.

“I don’t know what the big deal is,” Durant said during a brief Q&A session about his new KD 7 shoe, according to the Washington Post.

“As a player, I think that’s the best way to go about it. You can have all your options. It’s better for you as a player to opt-out, because you can get a market deal. You can get more years. You never know what will happen if you pass up on that. So I didn’t know what the big deal was. I’m sure it was a decision he made, something he was thinking about, for him and his family.”

Meanwhile, the 25-year-old is signed with the Thunder through to 2016, but the buzz surrounding his pending free agency has already begun and he has been forced to answer questions on his future.

However, the difference is that Durant has not requested an opt-out after the fourth year of his deal which he penned in 2010, insisting that he is a loyal person and will honour his deal.